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James [left] and John Baker are embarking on a 36-day motorcycle ride across Canada to raise funds and spread awareness about autism. The father-son duo is calling their journey Bikers for Autism. NIOMI PEARSON/CHRONICLE
Father and son biking for autism centre and Autism Speaks Canada. “For me, it was one of those things,” James said. “We’ve been talking about ridJohn and James Baker are going to open ing across Canada on motorbikes since I both the throttle and their hearts this sum- was a young boy, and a light bulb just went mer. off. We’ve done fundraisers for Jude over On Aug. 1, the father-son duo will embark the last couple of years, and it just made on a 36-day, 8,150-kilometre journey across sense that we could make this a bigger Canada on their Harley Davidsons to raise event and shine some more light on autism funds and spread awareness about autism. awareness.” Their campaign is called Bikers for Autism, James describes Jude as an outgoing, creand their goal is to raise $100,000. ative and energetic little boy. “I think it’s good to set your sights high,” “The scary thing is one in every 88 chilsaid James, 29. “If we get the attention dren are affected by autism spectrum diswe’re looking for, I’d love for Bikers for order, and boys are four times more likely Autism to be its own entity.” to develop it,” he said. Their inspiration is four-year-old Jude, During their ride, James and John, 60, John’s great-nephew, who has high- will ride up to 300 to 400 kilometres per functioning autism. Jude’s mother, Kim day. Dragseth, has recently started a behav- “We’re going to be fighting the elements; ioural centre in Osoyoos, and proceeds there’s going to be rain, bugs, truckers, from the ride will be split between the people trying to run you over, the normal Niomi Pearson
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stuff bikers have to deal with,” John said. for Autism charity golf tournament, will “We’re going to be a little tired and banged take place July 14 at Ladysmith Golf up by the time we get there, but it’s going Course. The $50-per-team fee includes 18 to be all good.” holes of golf and a barbecue burger and John, who has lived in Ladysmith since beverage. For information, call 250-2451979, said he is looking forward to meeting 7313 or e-mail Anne Baker at wwjdck77@ up with family along the way, especially in hotmail.com. Newfoundland, where he is from. James, A special live music fundraiser is also who was born and raised in Ladysmith, happening July 22 at the Shark Club in will also have the opportunity to meet Vancouver, where James now works as some of his relatives for the first time. general manager. Tickets are available for Fundraising events such as hot dog sales, $12 at www.ticketweb.ca. live music functions and rallies are being John, who has had to put the cross-Canset up in destinations across Canada to ada father-son ride off for the past decade help build the momentum toward that due to work, says both riders are more $100,000 goal. than ready to ride. “I think it’s going to gain a lot of speed as “I’m looking forward to getting the show we go across Canada,” James said. on the road,” he said. “I wish we could be He is also hoping to get Harley Davidson leaving sooner.” on board as a sponsor and host a few fundTo follow the Bakers’ journey, visit www. raising events at retailers along the way. facebook.com/BikersforAutism or www. A pre-ride event, the first annual Bikers twitter.com/BikersforAutism.
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